Boulevardier

The Boulevardier is a classic cocktail that artfully combines the spicy warmth of bourbon or rye whiskey with the bittersweet complexity of Campari and the rich, herbal notes of sweet vermouth. It is often described as a whiskey-lover's Negroni, offering a deeper, more rounded flavor profile than its gin-based cousin. Served straight up or on the rocks, it's an elegant and spirit-forward drink. The result is a perfectly balanced sipper that is both warming and complex.
Boulevardier

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Boulevardier is a classic cocktail, celebrated for its balanced and robust flavor profile. It is often categorized as an aperitif, perfect for stimulating the appetite before a meal. Its simple yet elegant composition places it firmly among the timeless IBA "Unforgettable" cocktails.

Serving

The Boulevardier is a potent, cold drink typically served in a chilled coupe glass or a rocks glass over a large ice cube. Its alcohol content is significant, making it a classic spirit-forward sipper.
Serving size
Approximately 90 ml / 3 oz (before dilution)
Alcohol content
Around 25-30% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe or Rocks glass
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

The Boulevardier was created by Erskine Gwynne, an American-born writer who founded a Parisian magazine called "Boulevardier" in the 1920s. He was a regular at Harry's New York Bar in Paris, where he shared the recipe with famed bartender Harry MacElhone. The drink was first published in MacElhone's 1927 book, "Barflies and Cocktails," cementing its place in cocktail history.
Origin
Paris, France, circa 1927.

Boulevardier

The drink is sometimes referred to as a "Whiskey Negroni" or "Bourbon Negroni" due to its composition, which substitutes whiskey for the gin found in a classic Negroni. The original name, Boulevardier, remains the most common and recognized term for this classic cocktail. These alternative names clearly describe its relationship to its famous cousin.
Original name
Boulevardier
Alternative names
  • Whiskey Negroni
  • Bourbon Negroni

Characteristics overview

The Boulevardier presents a rich, bittersweet flavor with spicy notes from the whiskey, balanced by a smooth, velvety texture. Its deep reddish-amber hue is complemented by a warming, long-lasting aftertaste.
Flavor
bittersweet, spicy, rich, complex, herbal, warming, citrusy
Aroma
orange peel, whiskey spice, vanilla, herbal notes
Taste balance
bitter, sweet, spicy
Aftertaste
long, warming, bittersweet, smooth
Fizziness
none, still
Color appearance
deep ruby, reddish-amber, clear
Texture
smooth, velvety, spirit-forward
Seasonality
warming, autumnal, wintery

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is intense, led by a strong bitterness from Campari and alcoholic warmth from the whiskey, balanced by the sweetness of vermouth. It is a non-carbonated, spirit-forward drink with no creaminess or saltiness.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

The Boulevardier requires three core ingredients: bourbon or rye whiskey, Campari, and sweet vermouth. The choice of whiskey can tailor the drink from sweeter (bourbon) to spicier (rye).
  • Bourbon or Rye Whiskey45 ml / 1.5 oz
    Rye provides a spicier profile, while bourbon is generally sweeter and smoother. Classic recipes often call for bourbon.
  • Campari30 ml / 1 oz
    The essential bitter component of the drink.
  • Sweet Vermouth30 ml / 1 oz
    Use a high-quality Italian-style sweet vermouth for best results, such as Carpano Antica Formula or Cocchi Vermouth di Torino.

Ice type

  • Cubed ice for stirring, optional large cube or sphere for serving

Mixing equipments

You will need a mixing glass and a bar spoon for stirring, a jigger for measurement, and a strainer to serve. This is a stirred drink, not shaken, to maintain its clarity and texture.
  • Mixing glass: for combining and chilling the ingredients.
  • Bar spoon: for stirring the cocktail with ice.
  • Jigger or measuring cup: for accurately measuring the spirits.
  • Strainer (Julep or Hawthorne): to strain the chilled liquid from the ice.

Instructions

Combine whiskey, Campari, and sweet vermouth in an ice-filled mixing glass. Stir until well-chilled, then strain into a chilled coupe or a rocks glass with a large ice cube, and garnish with an expressed orange peel.
1. Chill your serving glass (a coupe or rocks glass) by filling it with ice or placing it in the freezer for a few minutes.
2. Add the bourbon (or rye whiskey), Campari, and sweet vermouth to a mixing glass.
3. Fill the mixing glass two-thirds full with cubed ice.
4. Stir with a bar spoon for about 20-30 seconds until the outside of the mixing glass is well-chilled and frosted.
5. If serving "on the rocks," place a large ice cube in your chilled rocks glass. If serving "up," discard the ice from your chilled coupe glass.
6. Strain the mixture from the mixing glass into your prepared serving glass.
7. For the garnish, take a swath of orange peel, hold it over the drink's surface and twist it to express the citrus oils.
8. Rub the rim of the glass with the peel, drop it into the drink, and serve immediately.

Garnishing

Garnish with an orange peel by expressing its oils over the surface of the drink for a fragrant citrus aroma. A high-quality Maraschino cherry is a traditional and equally acceptable alternative.
  • Orange peel: Express the oils over the drink by twisting the peel, then drop it in or place it on the rim.
  • Maraschino cherry: A high-quality brandied or Maraschino cherry can be dropped into the glass as a classic alternative garnish.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is typically free from caffeine, dairy, eggs, soy, nuts, and gluten. Most modern ingredients make it suitable for both vegetarian and vegan diets.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

A single serving contains roughly 180-220 calories, primarily from the alcohol content. The carbohydrate and sugar content, around 8-12 grams per serving, comes mainly from the sweet vermouth and Campari.
Calories
Approximately 180-220 kcal / 753-920 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 8-12 grams
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 8-12 grams
Sugar level

Occasions

This elegant cocktail is perfect for sophisticated gatherings, cocktail parties, or as a classic pre-dinner aperitif. Its warming character also makes it an excellent choice for a cool autumn or winter evening.
  • Cocktail party
  • Pre-dinner drink
  • Autumn evening
  • Sophisticated gathering

Pairing suggestions

The Boulevardier's bittersweet and robust profile pairs wonderfully with savory and rich foods. It is an excellent companion to a charcuterie board featuring cured meats, aged cheeses, and salty snacks such as olives and nuts. The drink's complexity cuts through fatty flavors, making it a superb pre-dinner cocktail.
  • Charcuterie boards
  • Aged cheeses (like Parmesan or Pecorino)
  • Olives and salted nuts
  • Rich, savory appetizers

The Boulevardier: A Whiskey Lover's Classic

The Boulevardier is a timeless and sophisticated cocktail, perfect for those who appreciate a spirit-forward drink. A close relative of the Negroni, it swaps gin for the spicy warmth of bourbon or rye, creating a richer, deeper flavor profile. Its beautiful balance of bitter Campari, sweet vermouth, and robust whiskey makes it an ideal aperitif or a comforting sipper for a cool evening. Easy to make yet complex in taste, the Boulevardier is a true classic of the cocktail world.

Similar cocktails

Old Pal

Uses rye whiskey and dry vermouth instead of sweet vermouth, resulting in a drier, spicier profile.

You May Also Like

Rum Sazerac

A rich and aromatic twist on the New Orleans classic, swapping traditional rye for the complex, funky notes of aged rum.

Kentucky Mule

A refreshing and spicy highball cocktail that swaps vodka for rich Kentucky bourbon in a delightful twist on the classic Moscow Mule.

French 77

A sophisticated and floral twist on the classic French 75, featuring elderflower liqueur for a touch of sweetness and aroma.

London Mule

A crisp and spicy British twist on the classic Moscow Mule, featuring gin instead of vodka.

Have You Tried These Yet?

Palmetto Cocktail

A smooth, spirit-forward cocktail combining aged rum and sweet vermouth for a rich, complex flavor reminiscent of a Manhattan.

Improved Holland Gin Cocktail

A sophisticated and complex classic cocktail that highlights the malty notes of Genever with additions of maraschino, absinthe, and bitters.

Halekulani Cocktail

A sophisticated, bourbon-based tropical cocktail balancing whiskey warmth with bright citrus and pineapple notes.

Chicago Cocktail

An elegant, pre-Prohibition cocktail featuring brandy and bitters, topped with Champagne for a bubbly and sophisticated finish.